Former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Francis Faduyile, has cautioned against what he described as a media-driven trial in the ongoing case involving renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, and Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
Adichie lost her 21-month-old son in the early hours of January 7 after an emergency arose during a medical procedure at the private health facility. The writer subsequently accused Euracare Hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death resulted from “criminal negligence” on the part of the attending anaesthesiologist.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Faduyile, a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine at Lagos State University, expressed concern that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the statutory body responsible for regulating medical and dental practice, had yet to be constituted to investigate the allegation.
He questioned the delay in setting up the council and urged authorities to act without further hesitation.
“It is important for our populace to know that there are different ways you can take charge of cases of medical negligence rather than going to the media,” Faduyile said.
He stressed that every profession operates within defined ethical standards and regulatory frameworks, adding that due process should be respected even when it feels slow.
“Every profession has its own ethics and regulations. Let us follow the process. Sometimes it may be long and torturous, but can you blame the populace? It may be difficult because they have lost a loved one and they are in deep grief.
“I can tell you that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, if given the necessary support base, would do what is necessary, and it would strengthen the medical profession in this country.
“We need to call on the government. Why are you hesitating to set up the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria? This is over one year. What is the reason? There is no reason. Almost all the members there are statutory.”
Meanwhile, Chimamanda Adichie has formally served Euracare Hospital with a legal notice, accusing the hospital of medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with her son’s death.
The family alleged that the toddler, Nkanu, died as a direct result of negligence on the part of Euracare Hospital and its medical personnel.
According to a legal notice dated January 10 and issued by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the author and her husband accused Euracare Hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending staff of breaching their duty of care during multiple medical procedures.
The notice stated that Nkanu died in the early hours of January 7 after being moved for an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. These procedures were reportedly preparatory steps for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
The document further alleged that while sedated with propofol, the child developed severe complications during an internal transfer within the hospital. The parents claimed there was inadequate monitoring, improper dosage, lack of supplemental oxygen, insufficient medical staff, and delayed response to the child’s rapidly deteriorating condition.
In response to the growing public concern, the Lagos State Government has stepped in and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
In an earlier statement, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency had already visited Euracare Hospital and commenced a detailed review of all reports and allegations.
She said the agency would collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant institutions to ensure a thorough and credible probe.
“The investigation will examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles of all parties involved. Findings will be made public,” Ogunyemi said.
What you should know
The case involving Chimamanda Adichie and Euracare Hospital has sparked a nationwide debate on medical accountability, patient safety, and the role of regulatory bodies in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
While the family is pursuing legal action, medical experts are urging caution against public verdicts before formal investigations are concluded.
The delayed constitution of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has also drawn criticism, raising broader concerns about regulatory gaps and oversight in the country’s medical sector.
